By becoming a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE), you will receive preference in procurement opportunities offered by the District of Columbia. The CBE program helps position your business to better compete in DC government contracting opportunities.

 

• The principal office of the business enterprise must be located in the District of Columbia
• The chief executive officer and the highest level managerial employees of the business enterprise must perform their managerial functions in their principal office located in the District
• The business must demonstrate it meets one of the following:

1. More than 50% of the employees of the business enterprise are residents of the District; or
2. The owners of more than 50% of the business enterprise are residents of the District; or
3. More than 50% of the assets of the business enterprise, excluding bank accounts, are located in the District; or 
4. More than 50% of the business enterprise’s gross receipts are District gross receipts.

CBE Program Webinar

If you are interested in learning about the other certification categories you can add to your CBE application, please review the CBE Program Webinar prior to submitting an application to the Department.  Neither of these steps are mandatory but they provide useful information in preparing your application for submission to the Department.

CBE One-on-One Counseling

DSLBD also offers one-on-one counseling for businesses interested in learning more about the application process or receiving other assistance with the CBE program. Register for a session or drop in - sessions occur every second and fourth Thursday of the month. 

For new applicants - the steps to becoming a CBE are:

1. Submit the online CBE application (online application must include the uploaded checklist items)
2. DSLBD review and determination.

Begin the process for New Applicants. 

Begin the process for Returning Applicants.